Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Fula
Hi Fernando, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in a working-class family, I discovered drawing as my creative refuge. With just a pencil, paper, and imagination, I could escape into worlds of my own making. As a child, I often accompanied my parents on their janitorial jobs, quietly sketching in break rooms while enjoying McDonald’s happy meals. I’d search for pens and pencils in empty offices, turning these tools into instruments of artistic expression.
The Jehovah Witness faith fueled our household, profoundly shaping my worldview. The WatchTower magazines, with their realistic portrayals of human emotions, became an unexpected source of artistic inspiration. I found myself captivated by these images, recreating them and developing my own style in the process.
I organized impromptu art shows at home, selling my drawings for whatever coins my family members could spare. These humble beginnings fueled my passion and determination to pursue art professionally.
My journey to becoming a contemporary artist was far from conventional. Facing rejection from prestigious Boston art schools due to my lack of formal credentials, I refused to let these setbacks define me. Instead, I channeled my energy into relentless self-improvement, honing my skills through dedicated practice and perseverance.
Eventually, my commitment paid off. I discovered an art community that not only embraced my unique background but also recognized my potential. This supportive environment provided the opportunities I needed to flourish, ultimately paving the way for my success in the contemporary art world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I live in a constant shadow of rejection, failures, and missed opportunities. My biggest struggle has always been life itself, but fortunately, my resilience finds a way to navigate the bumpy ride.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a thinker, someone who enjoys contemplating the intricacies of life. I love breaking down the world into layers of information, nurturing my curiosity to better understand it.
This curiosity drives my work in portraiture and abstract art, where I create pieces that reflect my explorations. I believe that the world could benefit from more genuine curiosity.
Currently, I been building attention towards my ongoing series called “Throw me in the Trash” where I explore our identity to material possessions in an attempt to leave a lasting legacy, we may inadvertently prioritize our future impact over embracing the present, thus obscuring the true value of the moments we are currently experiencing.
The biggest thing that probably sets me apart from others is my resilience.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up just outside of Boston, the only landscape around my house was too close for comfort multi-level homes and telephone lines filling the sky. My childhood memories consisted of playing on a cement block, barely big enough to fit two cars, strung with clothes lines.
As a child you couldn’t help but run through the bedding sheets as they were hung out to dry during the summer months. The shadowy coolness ran across my face and ended with a view of a bright blue sky with puffy clouds lazily rolling along. I would forget the rectangles of the city and feel the limitlessness of life.
Still to this day I look up and close my eyes to become that kid again, feeling the sun’s reminder that we can all change our shape.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artbyfula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernandofula.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernandofula.art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fernandofula
- Other: https://linktr.ee/fernandofula